ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Signing Ian White to a relatively modest deal, compared to what other free-agent defensemen were commanding, is proving to be the right move for the Detroit Red Wings.

White has made a smooth transition to the Red Wings’ style of play, fitting in seamlessly as Nicklas Lidstrom’s new defense partner.

"So far, it seems to fit my style," White said. "They’re such talented forwards that if you can find (an opening) as a D-man, they’re going to find you and you’re going to give each other a lot of chances.

"It’s a lot more fun once you get going and see these guys in action (and) how good our team is."

The Red Wings are 4-0. They have dominated puck possession, which has helped them limit goals against (five goals allowed in four games).

White, who needed stitches to close a cut on his chin after being checked into the boards by Cal Clutterbuck during the first period of Saturday’s 3-2 overtime victory at Minnesota, has been strong at both ends of the ice. He has two goals, tying him for the team lead with Johan Franzen and Jiri Hudler, and an assist.

"It feels good anytime you can score and help out, but being 4-0 is more important," White said. "We’re really feeling good about ourselves and got to keep plugging."

The Red Wings signed White, 27, to a two-year, $5.75 million contract on July 2 to replace the retired Brian Rafalski. They don’t expect "Whitey," as he’s called by teammates, to be as productive as Rafalski, who had 35 goals and 169 assists in four seasons, but he will contribute some offense and he’s more gritty.

He also is the right-handed shot the team needed and Lidstrom wanted.

"It’s still kind of a learning process, but I think it’s been clicking real well," Lidstrom said. "Him being right-handed makes it easier going D-to-D and making passes at the blue line, so I think it’s been a good fit.

"He’s a good puck-mover, he’s aggressive in his own zone, he’s very competitive. He’s hard to beat one-on-one. He has quickness, especially in his own zone, getting on players and being aggressive."

White said it’s easy being paired with Lidstrom.

"He’s always there when you need him," White said. "He’s always backing me up, giving me an option to (pass) it to him. That’s close support out there.

"Even in between whistles, if there’s an adjustment we need to make, he’ll let me know. Just his hockey sense and how smart he is on the ice makes everything easy for me."

White also is paired with Lidstrom at the points on the first power-play unit. The power play is off to a shaky start -- Johan Franzen’s overtime goal Saturday is the only power-play goal in 19 opportunities -- but they feel it’s only a matter of time they break through.

Having played for former Red Wings assistant coach Todd McLellan most of last season in San Jose, White is familiar with Detroit’s style. And the Red Wings knew what they were getting with White.